barber pole

Or barber's pole

noun

1. a pole with red and white spiral stripes symbolizing the barber's former sideline of surgery.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barber pole¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

Across the swirl of a barber pole, in ornate cursive, it reads: “The Working Class.”

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“These guys need to be able to let loose and express themselves and their emotions,” said Matt, a mentor who cuts hair at a wing that includes two seats and a barber pole.

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The famous barber pole came about as a way for barbers to advertise their bloodletting services as putting bowls of blood in the shop window was frowned upon.

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According to the Avenue Five Institute, the red of the barber pole signified bloodletting, white the medical bandages, and blue was said to stand for non-oxgenated blood.

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According to Hornig, in Nebraska, only barbershops are allowed to use a barber pole as a form of advertising.

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